Pyrgi, Chios

Pyrgi, one of southern Chios’ famed mastic villages, feels like an open-air gallery. As you stroll through the narrow streets of this beautifully preserved medieval settlement, you’ll notice that nearly every façade is decorated with the village’s famous xysta, intricate black-and-white geometric designs found nowhere else in Greece.

Diamonds, crescents, floral patterns and birds cover the walls in intricate symmetrical designs. This unique folk art has been passed down through generations, and local artisans still practice it today using sand, black cement, and lime. Take a break in the village square, where the surrounding buildings showcase some of the finest examples of xysta. You’ll also find the motifs adorning ceramics, textiles and paintings in local craft shops – perfect souvenirs to take home.

Christos Raches, Ikaria

Perched high in the mountains of Ikaria, Christos Raches is one of the island’s largest and most famous villages. It first gained fame for its unusual daily rhythm: shops stayed closed for most of the day and opened only after sunset. The village was also home to a legendary unmanned grocery store, where customers simply took what they needed and left payment on the counter.

Although tourism has changed some of these traditions to a degree, the village retains its relaxed pace. Wander along the high street to the shaded square beneath the plane and mulberry trees, and you’ll see why so many visitors choose to linger here. The village is also known for its annual festival on August 6, one of Ikaria’s best-known panigyria. Traditional music and dancing continue until dawn, while free-range goat (rasko) and local wine are served in abundance. Although many visitors now seek out the island’s smaller, less crowded festivals, the celebration in Christos remains a memorable experience.

Agiasos, Lesvos

Set among the wooded slopes of Mount Olympus, Agiasos is celebrated for its distinctive architecture, vibrant musical tradition and unique local dialect. Surrounded by chestnut, walnut and cherry trees, as well as pines and towering plane trees, it enjoys one of the loveliest settings on Lesvos. Designated a traditional settlement, Agiasos is best explored on foot. Leave your car behind and wander its narrow lanes, all of which eventually lead to the Church of Panagia Agiasos.

Just uphill from the church is the village’s main square, and farther north lies Stavri, named after the crossroads leading to the fields. Along the way you’ll spot signs displaying phrases in the local dialect, which you’ll probably hear spoken by residents of every generation. Stop at the traditional café in Stavri for a glass of ouzo accompanied by local meze. Before leaving Agiasos visit the Anagnostirio, the village’s cultural association, which has been active since 1894. It houses a library of around 25,000 volumes and offers traditional dance and santouri lessons to local residents. Agiasos has long been celebrated for its musical heritage, and many of Lesvos’ legendary musicians trace their roots to the village.

Kokkari, Samos

Just 10 kilometers from Samos Town (Vathy), Kokkari brings together everything visitors look for in a Greek island holiday: beautiful beaches, postcard-perfect scenery, and warm hospitality. Although it has become one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations, Kokkari has preserved the timeless charm of an Aegean fishing village. Narrow alleyways, stone houses, flower-filled courtyards, and its picturesque harbor all reflect its maritime heritage. Make sure to spend time wandering the lanes, enjoy fresh seafood at the waterfront tavernas, and swim at the village’s pebbled beach.

Built on a small peninsula, Kokkari has a sheltered harbor lined with cafés and tavernas on one side of the peninsula, and a long pebble beach on the other. Nearby beaches include Tsamadou, Lemonakia, and Tsambou. Kokkari is also the starting point for an easy nine-kilometer circular hiking trail through fragrant pine forest, offering another perspective on the island’s rich natural landscape. The route is equally suitable for hiking or mountain biking. For more information, visit samoshikes.gr.

This story first appeared in Greece Is.

Source: Ekathimerini.com